Wrigleyville legends

The Vic

Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune

The Vic

The Vic (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

By Kyle KramerRedEye

Schubas3159 N. Southport Ave. 773-525-2508The beautiful wood-accented back room of this hundred-year-old building is one of the city’s best places to catch touring and local acts before they get big, while the front bar area serves up a mean mac ’n’ cheese.

The Gingerman Tavern3740 N. Clark St. 773-549-2050Refreshingly unpretentious, this beat-up bar is the perfect place to escape from—or mentally prepare for— the insanity of Wrigleyville with a game of a pool.

Elbo Room2871 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-549-5549A small club featuring mostly local and regional acts, this noted venue stood at the center of Chicago’s emerging acid jazz movement in the ’90s, helping to launch groups like Liquid Soul.

Guthries Tavern1300 W. Addison St. 773-477-2900Behind the distinctive ivy-covered facade of this neighborhood institution, regulars can partake in board games and beers in one of Lakeview’s coziest settings.

Music Box Theatre3733 N. Southport Ave. 773-871-6604This historic theater, which first opened in 1929, features an unbeatable lineup of independent and foreign films in addition to frequently hosting one-of-a-kind talks and screenings.

Metro & Smart Bar3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-4140There may be no prouder accomplishment for a Chicago band than headlining at this legendary theater, which has hosted countless famous acts in its 30-year history. Downstairs, DJ-fueled Smart Bar caters to the city’s house and electronic scene.

Cubby Bear1059 W. Addison St. 773-327-1662With its location steps from Wrigley Field, this iconic bar is mostly known as a place for sports fans, but it regularly books local and touring acts, offering fans the chance to see major bands in a small room.

Vic Theatre/Brew & View3145 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-929-6713Alternately a music venue and a movie theater, this celebrated locale is the perfect place to catch prominent touring artists or enjoy a few beers during rowdy screenings of second-run and classic movies.

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